Shimla: All private and state buses in Himachal Pradesh have been barred from installing music players and the vehicles will be equipped with speed governors to check frequent accidents in the hill state, a minister said today.
"With a view to check frequent bus accidents, the Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) have been directed to remove CD players, DVD players and stereos from state and private buses," state Transport Minister Kishan Kapoor told reporters.
He said that most of the accidents took place due to human error. "The drivers will not be allowed to carry mobile phones," Kapoor said.
The minister said that the department would also ensure that speed governors are installed in all the private and Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses so that no vehicle can cross the prescribed speed limit.
Kapoor said that power to suspend the route permit was being delegated to the Commissioner, Transport. Currently the authority was with the Regional Transport Authority.
The department would issue special badges to authorised drivers within 30 days that would be displayed along with their photograph and the signature of the issuing authority, he added.
Replying to questions, he said the automobile companies like TATA and Ashok Leyland have agreed to open driving schools in the state and licences would be issued to those who have the training certificate, minister said.
